On 23 October 2025, GGP Officer, Second Secretary Ms. Mukaigawa Yurie attended the turnover ceremony for the “Project for the Provision of Equipment for Improving the Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities in Cainta, Rizal.”

This collaborative project with the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHi) was approved in 2024 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

In attendance were Rizal Provincial Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, National Council on Disability Affairs Planning Officer Virginia Rabino, Barangay Sto. Domingo chairperson Janice Pacsagon-Curia and TWHi officers led by President Felix Gonzales and Chief Operating Officer Angelita Evangelista.

TWHi, a non-governmental organization established in 1973, plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities through livelihood programs. These efforts have enabled almost 300 beneficiaries to earn income by engaging in various forms of production, including the manufacturing of wheelchairs, wooden teaching materials, among others.

However, after more than 40 years of use, the machinery has become outdated and unable to meet the modern demands of clients. These resulted in lost orders, reduced productivity, and ultimately fewer employment opportunities, lowering income for the workers and their families.

To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of $55,299 or approximately over P3 million to TWHi for the acquisition of essential equipment.

The project aims to improve the working environment for persons with disabilities and their families by providing ten different sets of equipment for the livelihood support program, contributing to the expansion of employment opportunities and economic independence for PWDs. Japan Information and Culture Center